Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills

Reviewed by Dale Lewis

"The storyline’s intensity deliberately and slowly builds from the beginning pages."

Unexpectedly, Border Patrol agent Danika Morales lost her husband when he attempted to help undocumented citizens find a place in America . . . the same people she’s responsible to deport in order to protect her nation’s borders. Two years later, she’s still haunted about his unsolved murder.

A recent series of random attacks and bizarre border arrests now leads Danika to believe that Toby’s death may have been part of a larger conspiracy. She is certainly not fearful to go after anyone who is responsible even if it appears she and her extended family could be the next targets.

When her brother-in-law is suspected of leaking top-secret Border Patrol information to the Mexican drug cartel, Danika seeks out a needed confidant and a trusted source of encouragement. She finds it at the local medical clinic in Dr. Alex Price. Unbeknownst to her, he was a friend to her husband.

The storyline’s intensity deliberately and slowly builds from the beginning pages. It deals with controversial immigration issues with sensitivity and truth thus making Sworn To Protect a worthy read for any Christ-follower. After reading, you’ll want to spend more time reflecting on the why and where you stand on this highly volatile issue.

From Sandra, the undocumented, yet compassionate nanny of Danika’s daughter, Tiana to Ed Jimenez, Danika’s “tough as nails” Border Patrol chief, the diverse characters captivate any avid suspense reader. Their lives are fascinatingly real, yet undeniably messy. The small border town setting of McAllen, Texas was ideal for this story. There is a balanced blend of humorous, tender and horrific moments.

Mills draws the reader into the story and action with her command of real-life dialogue. She is highly skilled at painting word pictures which help convey the deep and wide gamut of emotions. For example, “Standing from the kitchen table with knees as weak as a newborn colt, she paced the length of the room” and “The fearful murmurings that followed showed how seriously each agent took his job and the anger resulting . . .”

Potential Spoiler: If there is anything that ticks me off in real life and fictional stories, it is corruption . . . and within these pages, corruption profusely reeks. But on the other hand, redemption overwhelms and healing begins. Suffice it to say, I thoroughly enjoy her writing.

Sworn to Protect is second in the Call of Duty series and certainly holds its own with the first title, Breach of Trust. I’m anxiously awaiting the third in the series!

Dale Lewis now mans the front desk at the EFCA (The Evangelical Free Church of America) National Office in Minneapolis, MN. He was the graphic designer/pre-press production artist for over twelve years before being asked to step into this new role. Prior to that, he was the publications manager at his alma mater, Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN in the public relations office as well as the adviser to the college’s yearbook. He's a director/actor/writer for the Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) adult drama worship team and was the senior editor of the church newsletter. He's also written two collections of poetry, “Whispers of Assurance” and “On Life: Constant Communion Without Ceasing” as well as a devotional entitled “Eternal Education.” He and his family live in Oakdale, Minnesota.